Frankie & The Heartstrings to open record store Pop Recs Ltd in Sunderland

The band will launch the store, which will be called Pop Recs Ltd, on June 1 in their native Sunderland.

Speaking about the shop, which will be based on Fawcett Street in the city’s former tourism office, frontman Frankie Francis said: “It’s really brilliant. I love records, and to be able to become part of that community of people who sell records in the UK is exciting and in some way a bit of an honour. The British record shop has a huge legacy and one that we can contribute to in a small way.”

He added: “The level of backing from Sunderland council thus far has been incredibly inspiring. We as a group are proud of who we are and where we are from, and moments like these only affirm that sense of community and belief that the area as a creative hub are supported by the people around us.”

In addition to stocking records from acts across Britain as well as a comprehensive selection of records from artists in North East England, the store will also include a recreational space, a gallery wall for artists and a performance area. The first two weeks after Pop Recs Ltd is opened will see it host instore performances from Frankie And The Heartstrings while appearances from Maximo Park, The Futureheads, Field Music, Bernard Butler and a DJ set from The Cribs are also set to take place.

Frankie And The Heartstrings release their second album ‘The Days Run Away’ on May 27. The LP, which is the follow-up to their 2011 debut ‘Hunger’, was produced by former Suede man Bernard Butler. Last month, the band debuted a track from the album titled ‘Nothing Our Way’ – click here to read NME’s review.